Kathryn Holwell

Kathryn Louise (Thompson) Holwell, age 100, died peacefully on June 12, 2022, at Westview Healthcare Center in Sheridan. Kathryn was born on July 20, 1921, to Clarence and Bernice (Sheldon) Thompson at the home of her grandparents, Charlie and Cora Sheldon, 12 miles south of Upton, Wyoming. She was the oldest of seven children but was soon joined by siblings Leone, Ernest, Neil, Truman, Clarice, and Stanley. She attended a rural school until she moved to Upton to attend high school. She “batched” with other students until graduation as valedictorian of her class in 1939. She then took normal school training and subsequently taught for five years in rural schools in Weston county and in Osage.

She met David Holwell at a dance in Clareton in the summer of 1940. They were married in Sheridan, WY on September 8, 1943, while David was on leave from the Army Air Corp. and remained married for 72 years until David’s death.

They settled on the Holwell Ranch on Skull Creek when David was discharged from the service in 1945 and lived there for 50 years where Kathryn raised and preserved a large garden, and lambed ewes and was an integral part of the community being a 4-H leader and an active member of the Skull Creek Ladies Club. They moved to Upton in 1995 and then to Sheridan in 2014. She became an avid golfer at the age of 65, enjoying many hours on the course in Upton. She was also an active member of Eastern Star and the Methodist Church.

One of her favorite activities was playing games and cards with her family and friends and she was a willing partner and teacher, especially to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Some of the favorite memories of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were playing games and cards with “grandma”. Many life lessons were learned at the card table (she didn’t tolerate cheating!!) and Kathryn was still playing cards up until her death.

She is survived by her five children: Michlene Holwell (Gary Simmons) of Spearfish, SD; Janice (J.C.) Stimpson, St. Anthony, ID; Rodney Holwell (Linda) Sheridan, WY; Alene (Larry) Childs, Trinidad, CO; Wanda (Scott) Orchard, Dayton, WY; seven grandchildren Kirk (Robin) Holwell, Ronda (Keith) Neugebauer, Marcia (Jeff) McGee, Wyatt (Christina) Childs, Tell Childs, Desiree’ Orchard (Rhanden Lind) and Andrew (Meghan) Orchard; twelve great-grandchildren and one on the way; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Truman Thompson, Fort Ludlow, WA; Clarice Pridgeon, Beulah, WY, Stan Thompson, Rock Springs, WY, and sister-in-law Gertrude Thompson, Spearfish, SD and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David, her siblings Leone Nolan and brothers Ernest and Neil Thompson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cascades of Sugarland Ridge and Westview Healthcare Center for the excellent care provided to Kathryn. At her request, no formal services will be held, but a celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com. Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.